Make It Official

Tools, Supplies, & Additional resources

Please note: the material below is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or financial advice. If you’re not sure what the best choices for your business are, consult an attorney, accountant, or bookkeeper.

Step one, step two

a Tiny Guide to Starting a Wedding floral design business

First things first: there isn’t one “right” way to start a floral design business. This isn’t a recipe for business success—because such a formula doesn’t exist.

Instead, what’s below is a series of questions to consider, ideas to research, and suggestions for next steps as you move toward becoming a business owner.

Some of what’s below might work for you, some of it might not. You might choose to skip certain parts, do things in a different order, or add to the list.

You’ll need to make your own choices in the context of your own unique situation, including your location, your state’s laws, your finances, etc.

Make a plan

Your Business Model

How do the puzzle pieces of your business fit together?

Before you write your business plan, take some time to consider your businessmodel. Start by downloading and completing Strategyzer's Business Model Canvas. This is a fantastic tool that will help you think through the the structure of your business.

Make It Official

First Steps…

— Start brainstorming! Once you’ve selected a few potential names, conduct a quick Internet search. What comes up when you search for each name?

— Next, you’ll need to confirm that the name is legally available. In the US, most states have registries available that you can check. (For example, here is New York’s.) There is also a federal trademark database.

— Is the related domain name available? Check here to see if it’s for sale.

2. Make it legal. Depending on where you live, you might need to:

— Find out if you need a license to be a working florist in your state. (Most states do not have licensing requirements.)

— Decide how tostructure your business. If you’re not sure what the best option is for you, consult an attorney or an accountant (or both) before moving forward.

— Register your business. You might need to do this on the federal, state, or local level. (Or all three!)

— File a DBA (Doing Business As) if your business has multiple names.

—Apply for a EIN (Employer Identification Number) with the IRS (Internal Revenue Service).

— Apply for a resale certificate. You’ll need this to be able to purchase wholesale flowers/hard goods and resell them. (This is sometimes called a reseller’s permit/license, certificate of authority, or sales tax ID.)

The material above is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or financial advice. If you’re not sure what the best choices for your business are, consult an attorney, accountant, or bookkeeper in your area before moving forward.

Make it official

Next Steps

2. Keep your ICA in mind as you move forward. From here on out, everything you do should be designed to attract the right customers and repel the wrong ones.

3. Create a simple, basic website. Develop your portfolio and your brand as you go. None of these need to be robust or perfect; just get started!

4. Start spreading the word! List your business with Google, Yelp, WeddingWire, & The Knot. Post to your social media accounts. Tell friends and family that you’re looking for clients. Reach out to local wedding venues and your fellow wedding professionals.

5. Develop your sales process, set up your client management system, and don’t forget to keep customer service in mind! How will you work with new clients? How will you structure your clients’ experience? (Think: intake, consultations, proposals, contracts, onboarding, site visits and reviews, wedding days, offboarding, etc.)

6. Focus on your goals for your business. What would you like to happen in your first year of business?

Is the goal to do a particular number of weddings? Is the goal to bring in a certain amount of revenue? Is the goal just to open a business, period? Stay focused on that, and ignore what everyone else is doing. You’ve got this!

For more information on websites, sales, & marketing for new wedding florists, check out our Book Your First Wedding Season workshop.

For business books, videos, and additional resources, check out our resources page.

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Please note: the material above is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or financial advice. If you’re not sure what the best choices for your business are, consult an attorney, accountant, or bookkeeper.